Encircled by low hills, forests and hilly springs, Netarhat nestles like a secret refuge in the heart of Jharkhand. Once home to several tribes, the hills caught the fancy of the British rulers who converted it into a hill station. Then dubbed as the ‘Queen of Chhota Nagpur’, the hill station has now moved far beyond its colonial days. Now known for its natural beauty and a public residential school that was opened in 1954, Netarhat is a weekend getaway from Ranchi, the state capital, about 150km away by road.
Reaching Netarhat from the plains is part of the fun. The rolling hills are covered with sal, palash and mahuwa trees. The steep hill road (‘ghat’ road) cuts through the forests, runs past some sharp bends, finally flattening into a plateau on which perches Netarhat at a height of 1,250 metres, amidst cypress and pine trees. A part of the road also hugs the Dalma Sanctuary and overpasses have been created for the wild elephants. An elaborate gate welcomes visitors to town.
Once in Netarhat, relax among its laid-back charm. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset views, take a walk among the pine forests (advisable only for large groups), and go on excursions to the surrounding hills. While most people head to the observation deck at the state tourist lodge for the sunrise view, the sunset is best seen from the forested Magnolia Point. Your chance of seeing the sun rise or set is dependent on the weather too.
The Netarhat Vidyalaya (a residential school) is about 2km from the tourist lodge. Less than a km from the school is an old British building, the Chalet House. Said to be the former summer quarters of British officers, it is now a government office. About 2km from Netarhat bus stand is a dam built during the British period. Surrounded by hills, it is a popular picnic point in winter.
Probably no British hill station in India is without a scandal or a suicide point. Netarhat is no exception. According to local tales, during the colonial period, an English resident named Magnolia fell in love with a local peasant. But literally driven to the edge by society, she committed suicide by jumping off the cliff. Since then the place became known as Magnolia Point. A statue of the pair has been built here and the story etched on a slab of stone. The local administration has beautified the place too. However, during peak tourist season, it is difficult to find a vantage point unless you arrive early. If you start early, you may spend some time at the view point from where the Koel river can be seen meandering through the verdant hills below.
According to local beliefs, Hanuman (the Monkey God from Ramayana) was born in a cave in the nearby Anjan village and it was here that he had rushed to eat the sun thinking it was a fruit. The hills surrounding Netarhat are dotted with hilly springs and waterfalls. The Upper Ghagri waterfalls is about 6km from Netarhat. Lower Ghagri is another 4km away from here. The area has many orchards growing pears (nashpati). To reach both waterfalls, you have to leave the car behind and walk through the forest.
If you are looking for a longer outing, drive down to the Lodh waterfalls, said to be the highest waterfall of Jharkhand, about 62km from Netarhat (via Mahuadanr town). It is also known as Burha Ghagh (ghagh is the local term for waterfalls). The Burha River is joined by several streams running down the hills. The waterfalls thus formed jumps down over 140 metres into a pool that disappears in the forest. It is advisable to be careful as the rocks can be slippery and avoid going too near the base of the falls.
As darkness settles over the hills, Netarhat draws into a shell. Soon after sunset, visitors retire to their hotels and the roads turn empty. A veil of quietness drops over the surrounding hills as nature takes rest to rise with the sun on the morrow.
Information: Netarhat is about 156km west of Ranchi, the nearest airport and rail station. Usually visitors combine a visit to Netarhat with Betla National Park (about 115km away via Mahuadanr town). Hotel Prabhat Vihar of Jharkhand Tourism is the best place to stay in Netarhat. As it is an off-beat tourist destination, it is advisable not to stray into deserted areas even when you are travelling in a group. Cell phone connectivity fluctuates. Ask for permission before taking photographs of tribal people. Best time to visit: November to March. While summers can be hot, the temperature in Netarhat is lower than that of the plains. Woollens required in winter. Carry mosquito/insect repellents and essential medicines.
